Applications open for the African Union Media Fellowship Programme.

Applications are currently open for the African Union Media Fellowship Programme. The AU Media Fellowship 3.0 is founded on three primary priorities: the production of high-quality, impactful content; ensuring a strong alignment with the objectives and institutional frameworks of the African Union; and enhancing outreach to maximize the Fellowship’s reach and influence. By balancing these strategic areas, the Fellowship seeks to maintain sustainability, institutional anchorage, and scalability, thereby promoting credible storytelling that supports Africa’s development agenda as outlined in Agenda 2063.

Initiated in 2022, the African Union (AU) Media Fellowship is a program aimed at providing a dedicated platform for African journalists and content creators to enhance their ability to reshape the African narrative and promote developmental journalism through the application of new and emerging technologies.

Mentorship Model
Each fellow is matched with a dedicated mentor—an experienced media professional with over 15 years in journalism, news management, content creation, or media strategy. Mentors are meticulously chosen based on their expertise, regional representation, and alignment with the thematic priorities of Agenda 2063. Their roles extend well beyond coaching; they act as trusted advisors, role models, and collaborators in the development of high-quality, impactful storytelling.

The mentorship model encompasses:

Monthly mentorship sessions customized to align with each fellow’s objectives and project requirements.
Editorial support regarding story development, structure, sourcing, and adherence to ethical standards.
Facilitation of connections to networks, tools, and resources within both the African and global media environments.
Practical assistance with pitching, multimedia production, and storytelling across various platforms.
The program adopts a blended methodology that integrates structured mentoring with practical application in a newsroom setting. Fellows engage directly with their mentors to enhance and produce impactful media outputs, employing newsroom techniques and a results-oriented strategy that guarantees measurable outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria – African Union Media Fellowship Programme.

The AU Media Fellowship is dedicated to a transparent and merit-based selection process. It is accessible to all African journalists and content creators who fulfill the following requirements:

African Nationals:
Applicants must hold citizenship in an African Union member country.

Media Practitioners:
Journalists, bloggers, podcasters, and digital creators, particularly those with experience in a newsroom environment.

Age Requirement:
Applicants must be at least 25 years of age.

Experience Level:
A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in media or content creation.

Language Proficiency:
Fluency in any official language of the AU. The working language is English.

Professional Contribution:
Proven talent, creativity, and influence in the fields of media or digital content.

Selection Process – African Union Media Fellowship Programme.

• PHASE 1: Eligibility Screening & Initial Review
  Submission Review: Applications are evaluated for completeness, alignment with fellowship objectives, and eligibility requirements.
  Technical Evaluation: A panel assesses candidates’ professional backgrounds, the quality of their portfolios, and their demonstrated impact on African storytelling.
  PHASE 2: In-Depth Assessment & Final Selection
  Expert Panel Review: Candidates who are shortlisted undergo a thorough evaluation that aligns with the fellowship’s objectives and criteria.
  Interviews/Vetting: Leading applicants may take part in interviews and provide additional materials.
  Final Approval: Chosen fellows are announced based on merit, diversity, and their potential to advance the fellowship’s vision.

Expectations – African Union Media Fellowship Programme.

• Ensure that pitches correspond with the thematic tracks of the Cohort 3 AU Media Fellowship programme.
  Participate in the Media Fellowship Training and Media Fellowship study tours.
  Attend AU meetings and events as required, following AU guidance.
  Ensure the timely publication of their stories in their media outlets or, for freelancers, in other media outlets.
  Ensure that published stories/content indicate their affiliation with the AU Media Fellowship programme.
  Maintain consistent and regular communication with the AU Information and Communications Directorate throughout the fellowship.
  Actively engage on AU and partner social media platforms and tag them throughout the fellowship to share updates.

Application Process: African Union Media Fellowship Programme.

• Step 1: Curriculum Vitae – Please utilize a standard format.
  Step 2: Cover letter: A one-page document detailing your motivation, qualifications, and experience.
  Step 3: Work samples: Provide links to two work samples.
  Fellowship Timeline:
• SEP – DEC 2025: Induction, onboarding, and the first study tour. Fellows will begin pitching stories and complete online certified training and masterclasses.
  JAN – MAR 2026: One-on-one mentorship. Fellows will attend AU events and visit AU HQ during the Annual Summit to develop pitch stories.
  APR – JUN 2026: AU/Partner study tour, in-person training, and ongoing participation.
• JUL – AUG 2026: Another round of AU/Partner study tours and continued best practice training and sharing.
• SEP – DEC 2026: Fellows present final stories, receive certificates, and attend the closing ceremony.

Application – African Union Media Fellowship Programme.

• For details and to apply visit the official website of the African Union (AU) Media Fellowship Programme
• Deadline: August 14 2025